How to perform a clean boot on Windows?

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update, or when a background program interferes with your system.

Step 1: Log in as an Administrator

Ensure you are logged into your Windows computer with an account that has administrator privileges.

Step 2: Configure System Configuration (msconfig)

Open the Run dialog box: Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.

Type msconfig in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration utility.

Step 3: Disable Non-Microsoft Services

In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.

At the bottom left, check the box next to "Hide all Microsoft services." This is crucial to avoid disabling essential system services.

Click the "Disable all" button. This will uncheck all remaining third-party services.

Click "Apply".

Step 4: Disable Startup Items

Go to the Startup tab in the System Configuration window.

Click "Open Task Manager." This will launch the Task Manager application.

In Task Manager, go to the Startup tab.

For each item listed, right-click on it and select "Disable." Disable all startup items.

You can note down the items you disable if you wish to re-enable them later, but it's not strictly necessary as you will re-enable them through this process.

Close Task Manager.

Back in the System Configuration window, click "OK".

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click "Restart".

Your computer will now boot into a clean boot environment.

Step 6: Test for the Problem

Once the computer restarts, check if the problem you were experiencing still occurs.

If the problem is gone: This indicates that a disabled service or startup item was causing the conflict. Proceed to Step 7.

If the problem persists: This means the issue is not caused by a third-party service or startup item. You can then revert to a normal startup (go to the System Configuration > General tab and select "Normal startup," then restart) and investigate other potential causes (e.g., hardware issues, corrupted system files, malware).

Step 7: Isolate the Problematic Item (If Problem is Gone)

If the problem is gone in a clean boot, you need to re-enable items one by one (or in small groups) to find the culprit.

Open System Configuration (msconfig) again.

Go to the Services tab.

Check about half of the disabled non-Microsoft services that you want to test. Click "Apply".

Go to the Startup tab, Open Task Manager, and enable about half of the disabled startup items. Close Task Manager.

Click "OK" in System Configuration and Restart your computer.

Test again:

If the problem reappears: The issue is within the group of services/startup items you just re-enabled. Repeat this step, enabling a smaller subset of that group until you pinpoint the specific item.

If the problem does not reappear: Re-enable the other half of the disabled services/startup items and restart. Continue this process until the problem reappears, indicating you've found the problematic group.

Step 8: Resolve the Conflict

Once you've identified the specific service or startup item causing the problem:

Leave the problematic item disabled.

Contact the software vendor for an update or a solution.

Uninstall and reinstall the problematic application if it's not essential.

Look for alternative software if the issue cannot be resolved.

Step 9: Revert to Normal Startup (After Diagnosis)

Once you've diagnosed and ideally resolved the issue, revert your system to a normal startup:

Open System Configuration (msconfig).

On the General tab, select "Normal startup - Load all device drivers and services."

Click "Apply" and then "OK".

You will be prompted to restart. Click "Restart."